Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido has addressed the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa, speaking out on the possibility of the star attacker leaving the club.
The highly-rated attacker, Ribeiro Costa, is fresh off a remarkable night at the 2025 PSL Awards, where he was the biggest winner.
After a stellar previous campaign, Ribeiro swept multiple prestigious accolades on Tuesday, with videos of him celebrating his wins in a hotel circulating on social media. His impressive haul included the Betway Premiership Goal of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season, Betway Premiership Top Goal Scorer, and the highly coveted Footballer of the Season award.
The left-footed star was crucial for Sundowns as they won their eighth successive league title and reached the final of the CAF Champions League. Masandawana suffered a 3-2 defeat on aggregate against Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the two-legged final.
Last season, Ribeiro scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists in 51 matches across all competitions for Sundowns. The 26-year-old also showcased his qualities at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he netted a sublime goal against German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. Ribeiro’s goal was named the Best Goal of the Club World Cup.
His performances in the global showpiece attracted interest from several clubs, including Fluminense FC, a club in his home country, Brazil.
WHAT CUPIDO SAID ABOUT LUCAS RIBEIRO’S POSSIBLE EXIT
A few days ago, FARPost reported Ribeiro has left the Sundowns camp in Rustenburg, and he could be on his way out of the club.
With Ribeiro’s exit gaining momentum as Sundowns prepare for the new season, his teammate Keanu Cupido says the talented attacker will leave a big void should the move happen.
“Lucas is a very good player, I think each and every one will miss a player like that,” Cupido said at the MTN8 launch in Randburg on Wednesday night.
“Even if you go into your workspace, if someone has to leave, you’ll feel it, but for us as Mamelodi Sundowns, if it does happen, we wish him well.
“At Mamelodi Sundowns, there’s a lot of quality [players] as well that can fill up where he left off; there are youngsters that can grow into being players like Lucas.”
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